If you've found your way here, it almost certainly means that you've lost a disciplinary case at Cal State – Fullerton. You wound up with a serious sanction—suspension or dismissal. You have one last chance to salvage your academic future—an appeal—and you want to make the very most of this opportunity.
You're in the right place.
No law firm in the country is better at representing students in misconduct cases. Our Student Defense Team was founded to protect student rights, and we've helped students defend themselves from every conceivable type of charge. We know how Cal State–Fullerton's judicial processes work, including how to file formal appeals. We can guide you through procedures and even show you how to use those procedures to your benefit. Most importantly, we're always on your side and dedicated to getting you the best possible resolution to your case.
It's vital you contact us immediately, though. Cal State - Fullerton gives you just ten business days to file your appeal. That's not a lot of time to get your materials together. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686, or use our online questionnaire to tell us more about your situation.
The Appeals Process at Cal State - Fullerton
The most important aspect of filing an appeal at Cal State – Fullerton is reorienting your thinking. The appeal itself is not a complicated process. In fact, it's as simple as writing a brief document and submitting it within the ten-day timeframe. However, the success of your appeal depends on your ability to reframe your defense.
- First and foremost, you must accept the fact that you've been found responsible for an offense. CSUF may very well have gotten things wrong, and you may be able to overturn the findings in your case. For now, though, you are "responsible," and that changes how the university will treat you and how you must approach your defense.
- Initially, you were "innocent until proven guilty." That meant the university had the "burden" in the case. You didn't actually have to prove anything. Instead, the university had to prove your guilt. Now, however, the burden rests on your shoulders. The presumption is that you had a fair opportunity to defend yourself and to alter that presumption, you must prove otherwise.
- Note that you are not trying to prove you are innocent of the offense. That phase of the case is over. You are trying to prove that you were denied a fair hearing. That fact changes the possible arguments. CSUF only accepts four “grounds” for an appeal. You must focus on one or more of these.
- Some procedural errors occurred significant enough to have interfered with the case outcome.
- New evidence has arisen that could potentially alter the case outcome.
- The hearing outcome is not actually supported by the weight of the evidence.
- The sanction the university has imposed is not commensurate with the offense.
- Your case rests in the hands of the Vice Chancellor. You will not have an opportunity to address this official in person. There are no hearings in appeals cases. You don't get to make arguments in your own voice, submit evidence, or examine witnesses. Everything about your appeal must be contained in a written document.
- Likewise, you are limited in terms of what evidence you can rely on. You can use new evidence to argue that your case deserves a second look. Once again, though, you are not arguing for your innocence. In most cases, all of your evidence must be drawn from the record of the original hearing.
- There is no possibility that your case will be overturned on appeal. The Vice-Chancellor has three options. They can affirm the original hearing decision; they can alter the terms of your sanction; they can order a new hearing.
There are basically only two steps to the appeal itself. You must find some "grounds for your appeal, either by combing through the hearing transcript or by uncovering some evidence that wasn't available at the time of your hearing. Then, you use that evidence to create a written document that states your entire case in a clear and compelling way.
It's key that you know exactly what kind of evidence you're looking for and that you can make complex arguments in writing. Most students aren't prepared for either of those tasks. Even most attorneys don't have the background to take on a campus judicial system. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team works every day on university misconduct cases. We know the players, and we know how to talk to them. We know what counts as the strongest evidence and how to make cases in a way that's clear to faculty and administrators. No one is more qualified to handle your appeal, and no one gives you a better chance at success.
What's at Stake
Students sometimes walk away from school when they lose their hearing, even if they know they are entirely innocent. We get it. You've already been through an exhausting investigation and a stressful hearing, and an appeal seems daunting. Here's why you can't give up.
If you're facing suspension or dismissal, you're not just looking at an inconvenience. Dismissal means the end of your career at Cal State – Fullerton. It also means you'll be given a transcript notation describing your offense, and that will almost certainly prevent you from enrolling at another college or university. Suspension is moderately better. You can return and complete your degree once you've served your suspension. Many students don't, however. Once you've been away, you'll find it hard to return. You may also have lost your financial aid package as a result of your offense, and that can make finishing school exponentially more difficult. Plus, you'll also have to deal with a transcript notation.
More importantly, though, as difficult as the prospect of an appeal may seem, there's still every chance of success. It's not unusual for universities to get things wrong during investigations and hearings. In fact, it's quite common. These cases aren't run by prosecutors or decided by judges. They're in the hands of faculty, students, and administrators, and mistakes happen all the time. The appeals process exists precisely for the purpose of correcting those mistakes, but it only works if you take advantage of it.
Finally, remember that you are not alone this time around. Your Lento Law Firm attorney understands the CSUF process. We also have the benefit of strong relationships with many Offices of General Counsel, lawyers who advise colleges and universities on how to set up their judicial systems. We know how appeals work, and we know how to ensure you're treated fairly.
Fight for Your Future
Whether you're entirely innocent or you're simply looking to get fair treatment from Cal State-Fullerton, you owe it to yourself to continue the fight. We're here and ready to help. We'll guide you through the entire appeals process, make sure you put forward your very strongest arguments, and guarantee the university respects your rights.
As we said in the beginning, though, you cannot afford to wait. There are deadlines for filing your appeal. Get started now. Contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.
